Exercise system with feedback analysis and related methods

ABSTRACT

A self-contained automated exercise system attaches to a monitor to allow a user to engage in a tailored exercise routine to provide feedback analysis. The exercise system includes a foldable pad having pressure sensors, adjustable dumbbells, ankle and wrist weights, resistance bands, a telescoping pull-up bar and an adjustable band worn on the user (containing blood pressure, pulse and body temperature thermo-sensors) to wirelessly communicate to a computer that determines exercise performance by the user.

CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATION

This application seeks priority to U.S. Provisional Application Ser. No.61/187,425 entitled “Exercise System with Feedback Analysis and RelatedMethods of Use” filed on Jun. 16, 2009, the contents of which are herebyincorporated by referenced in their entirety.

FIELD OF THE INVENTION

The present invention relates to exercise systems, and moreparticularly, to an exercise system that allows a user to engage in atailored exercise routine while receiving feedback analysis.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

Home exercise has become increasingly popular, especially with advancesin home entertainment and gaming devices. This trend began with theadvent of the VCR, which prompted the launch of numerous home exercisevideos which offered aerobics, dance and other cardiovascular programs.These home exercise videos included not only a series of VCR tapes butalso ancillary exercise equipment like floor pads and resistance bands.

Commercialization of DVDS and DVD players continued the popularity ofhome exercise. Unlike VCR tapes, DVDs allowed the user to individualizeworkouts to improve the variety of the exercise program. In addition,DVDs allowed the user to alter workouts by skipping through variouschapters of the offered DVD home exercise program. Although the DVD andDVD player greatly advanced the art of home exercise, they still lackedthe ability to provide feedback analysis to the user.

By far, the largest advance in home exercise came with commercializationof gaming devices—such as the Nintendo Wii™. Instead of a traditionalVCR or DVD player, these gaming devices allow users to maneuver a consolor other peripheral to perform an exercise routine. With the NintendoWii™, this has included a floor pad and a hand wand to provide movementfor purposes of exercise. For example, the Nintendo Wii™ allows users tomimic the game of tennis through use of a wand, or to perform yogathrough interaction with a floor pad and monitor. Despite improvedinteractivity, current gaming devices still present many of the samedrawbacks as DVD home exercise programs.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

In view of the foregoing background, an object of the present inventionis to provide an exercise system that attaches to a television ormonitor to display individualized workout routines for a user toperform, along with the exercise system providing feedback analysis ofthe user performing the workout routines.

Individualized workout routines may be created based upon theparticipant's age, sex, weight, body fat index and any preexistinghealth condition or disability. The system is self-contained and can beeasily attached to a monitor or existing gaming device allowing a userto have a customized workout in the comfort of their home.

One feature of the exercise system is the use of an exercise monitorcarried by the user. The exercise monitor may be in the form ofwrist/ankle weights, adjustable dumbbells, resistance bands or a pull-upbar. These items may include motion or weight sensors, and wirelesslyprovide feedback to a processor that analyzes performance of the user'sworkout. Feedback analysis may be provided to the user via the monitor.Alternatively, the feedback analysis may be provided to the user via aspeaker that is separate from the monitor.

One exercise system according to the teachings of the present inventionmay comprise a self contained housing having both left and right sidepanels, along with top and bottom panels. An opening at the top panelallows for storing of a foldable pad. The four panels create a pluralityof racks, wherein the first rack maintains a computer and a memorydevice connected to the computer capable of storing a program in theform of machine readable code.

Positioned below the first rack is a second rack to store adjustabledumbbells. The dumbbells are capable of attaching weight plates as wellas communicating with the computer via an antenna. An adjustable bandoperable with the computer for communication therewith is also stored inthe second rack, having a blood pressure monitor, pulse monitor andthermo-sensor to measure body temperature. The system may also includean interface capable of connecting the computer with a monitor todisplay an exercise routine, as well as alert the user as to their bloodpressure, pulse and body temperature. Optionally, a DVD, Blu-Ray orcompact disk player may be used to load a program to be read by thecomputer (and viewed by the monitor) to offer an exercise routine.

The technology is further directed to a related method, which maycomprise the step of removing a foldable pad from a housing, where thehousing has left and right side panels, a top and bottom panel and adoor. Next, the method contemplates removing ankle weights stored in thehousing and then affixing those ankle weights to the user. Upon securingthe ankle weights, the method next contemplates turning a computer on,wherein the computer is stored in the housing and includes a memorydevice capable of storing programs in the form of machine readable code.Next, an adjustable band is placed on the user. The adjustable band iscapable of measuring both blood pressure and heartbeat, and is incommunication with the computer.

After placing the adjustable band on the user, the method contemplatescontacting a thermo-sensor on the adjustable band onto the body of theuser. Next, the user is positioned onto the foldable pad, whichcalculates the user's weight and body fat index via communication withthe computer. The user next selects an exercise routine through thecomputer accessing a program stored on the memory device. Upon engagingin an exercise routine, the computer provides physiological response tothe user through communicating with the foldable pad and ankle weights.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

For a fuller understanding of the invention, reference is made to thefollowing detailed description, taken in connection with theaccompanying drawings illustrating various embodiments of the presentinvention, in which:

FIG. 1 is a perspective view of the self-contained exercise system,including the housing, computer, foldable pad and monitor in accordancewith the present invention.

FIG. 2 is a front cutaway view showing the components of an adjustabledumbbell to hold multiple weight plates, including a weight holder, acircular flat ring, a motion sensor and a pressure sensor in accordancewith the present invention.

FIG. 3 is a perspective, cutaway view showing the components of theankle weight including the motion sensor, self-contained power source,antenna and vibration sensor in accordance with the present invention.

FIG. 4 is a perspective cutaway view showing the components of the wristweight including the motion sensor, self-contained power source, antennaand vibration sensor in accordance with the present invention.

FIG. 5 is a perspective view of the resistance band in accordance withthe present invention.

FIG. 6 is a front view of the telescoping pull-up bar showing thevarying grip handles, weight sensor, self-contained power source andantenna in accordance with the present invention; and

FIG. 7 is a perspective view of the adjustable band including thebuckle, blood pressure monitor, pulse monitor, body temperaturethermo-sensor, self-contained power source and antenna in accordancewith the present invention.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS

The present invention will now be described more fully hereinafter withreference to the accompanying drawings, in which preferred embodimentsof the invention are shown. This invention may, however, be embodied inmany different forms and should not be construed as limited to theembodiments set forth herein. Rather, these embodiments are provided sothat this disclosure will be thorough and complete, and will fullyconvey the scope of the invention to those skilled in the art. Likenumbers refer to like elements throughout.

A preferred embodiment of the self-contained home exercise system isillustrated in FIGS. 1 through 7. FIG. 1 identifies three core parts: ahousing 100, a foldable pad 200 stored within the housing 100, and amonitor 300 which connects to the housing 100 to display the exerciseroutine and provide feedback to the user.

The housing 100 is of sufficient size and dimension to store variousexercise equipment and includes a left side wall 1 and a right side wall2. Both side walls 1 and 2 connect to a top panel 3 and bottom panel 4.It is preferable (but not necessary) for the housing 100 to include aleft door 5 connected to the left side wall 1 and a right door 6connected to the right side wall 2. The housing 100 can be manufacturedfrom any resilient, lightweight and fire-resistant material, such asmetal or plastic.

The housing 100 preferably includes an illuminated button 7 located inthe front center portion of the top panel 3. The illuminated button 7controls the automated opening of the spring action left 5 and right 6doors. By pressing the illuminated button 7, both doors (5 and 6)mechanically swing open to reveal the internal components. The housing100 is portable, relatively lightweight and can fit in a bedroom, homeoffice, living room or garage. Such housing 100 can also be easilystored away in a closet.

FIG. 1 further illustrates how the housing 100 includes at least fourseparate racks (110, 120, 130 and 140) to store components of thesystem. One or more of these racks can contain recharging stations forthe various exercise equipment. The first rack 110 located at or nearthe top portion of the housing 100 stores the electronic components.This includes a computer 8A capable of processing programs 8B comprisedof machine readable code. These programs 8B are stored on a memorydevice 9 capable of communicating with the computer 8A. The memorydevice 9 can be any commercially available hard or flash drive, orsimilar data storage device known to one of ordinary skill in the art.Both the computer 8A and memory device 9 receive electricity from apower source 8C, which can either be a battery or external plugconnected to a standard electrical socket.

A player 10 capable of reading DVD, Blu-Ray and/or compact discs can beincluded within the first rack 110. The computer 8A can access theplayer 10 to read and process discs and/or upload programs 8B onto thememory device 9. The computer 8A and/or player 10 can communicate withthe user by displaying graphics on the connected monitor 300, which canbe a television, to display an exercise routine as well as the user'sphysiological statistics. An interface 11 allows communication betweenthe housing 100 and monitor 300 through a wire, which can be a standardvideo cable, HDMI cable or any connection known to one of ordinary skillin the art.

The second rack 120 within the housing 100 stores one or more adjustabledumbbells 12 capable of attaching additional weight plates 13. FIG. 2offers a more detailed perspective of the components of an adjustabledumbbell 12. As shown in FIG. 2, each adjustable dumbbell 12 comprises ahandle 14 and two weight holders 15 at each opposite end of the handle14 to load and unload multiple weight plates 13. A pressure sensor 16located within the handle 14 determines if a user is gripping the handle14, as well as the amount of force exerted when squeezing the adjustabledumbbell 12 during exercise. Each adjustable dumbbell 12 furthercomprises a motion sensor 17 (which can be an accelerometer, agyro-sensor or any known sensor known to those of ordinary skill in theart) to determine how a device is being operated and moved by the userduring exercise.

In addition, the adjustable dumbbell 12 further comprises aself-contained rechargeable power source 18, which can be (but is notnecessarily) a battery. Such adjustable dumbbell 12 is capable ofcommunicating wirelessly with the computer 8A located in the housing100, through an antenna 19 located within the handle 14. This wirelesscommunication can be accomplished through use of RF ID technology, radiotransmission, Bluetooth or any other wireless communication means knownto those of ordinary skill in the art. Each adjustable dumbbell 12weighs approximately a pound (without the addition of plates), isessentially 5 inches in length and measures about 1 inch in diameter.

FIG. 2 also provides a detailed view as to how weight plates 13 areaffixed to each opposite end of an adjustable dumbbell 12 at each weightholder 15. First, the shape and dimension of the weight holder 15functions to help secure the weight plates 13. Specifically, a circularflat ring 20 is placed between the weight holder 15 and handle 14 tohold the weight plate(s) 13 in place. Second, each weight holder 15includes a high strength magnet 21. Each weight plate 15 can include acorresponding high strength magnet 21.

Once a weight plate 13 is placed onto a weight holder 15, the highstrength magnet 21 helps ensure each weight plate 13 will not becomedislodged from the adjustable dumbbell 12 during exercise. Third, aremovable pin 22 can be placed at the varying holes 23 on the weightholder 15. This helps sandwich the weight plates 13 between the circularflat ring 20 and the removable pin 22.

FIG. 1 also illustrates a third rack 130 which maintains a set of ankleweights 24 and wrist weights 25 within the housing 100. As suggested bytheir names, these weights (24 and 25) are placed upon the ankles andwrists of the user to track movement during an exercise routine. FIGS. 3and 4 provide a perspective view of the individual components of theankle weights 24 and wrist weights 25.

Now turning to FIG. 3, each ankle weight 24 is essentially round,adjustable and can fit comfortably around the user's ankle. Each ankleweight 24 includes a motion sensor 26 (which can be an accelerometer, agyro-sensor or any similar device known to one of ordinary skill in theart), a self-contained rechargeable power source 27 (which can be abattery), and an antenna 28 capable of wirelessly communicating (viaradio, RF IR technology, Bluetooth or other commercially availablesignal) with the computer 8A.

Through use of a motion sensor 26, the ankle weight 24 reports to thecomputer 8A the user's leg movements. Moreover, the computer 8A can senda wireless signal to the antenna 28 to report to the user that he or sheis not conducting the correct leg movements during an exercise routine.Such is typically reported through the antenna 28 sending a signal to avibration device 29 within the ankle weight 24. Moreover, if agyro-sensor is used as the motion sensor 26, the ankle weight 24 canhelp direct the user as to the correct leg movement.

FIG. 4 illustrates the components of the wrist weight 25. Akin to theankle weight 24, the wrist weight 25 comprises a motion sensor 30 (whichcan be an accelerometer, a gyro-sensor or any similar device known toone of ordinary skill in the art), a self-contained rechargeable powersource 31 (which can be a battery), and an antenna 32 capable ofwirelessly communicating (via radio, RF IR technology, Bluetooth orother commercially available signal) with the computer 8A. Throughcommunicating with the computer 8A, the wrist weight 25 can receive awarning that the user is not complying with the exercise routine.Accordingly, a vibration device 33 within the wrist weight 25 can alertthe user that his or her movement is incorrect. In addition, the monitor300 (or alternative a speaker) can send encouragement to the user, akinto a virtual personal trainer. Included on the exterior 34 of the wristweight 25 is a female notch 35 capable of receiving a male attachment 36(discussed in greater detail in FIG. 5 discussed below).

FIG. 5 illustrates one use of resistance bands 37 as part of theexercise routine. Resistance bands 37 of varying length and thicknesscan be stored within the fourth rack 140 shown in FIG. 1. FIG. 5illustrates how each resistance band has a male attachment 36 ofsufficient size and shape to connect with each wrist weight 25. Byattaching both wrist weights 25 to each end of a resistance band 37, theuser can strength train. Moreover, the computer 8A can relay informationto the user through the monitor 300 and vibration device 33 within thewrist weight 25 during exercise.

In addition to use of adjustable dumbbells 12, resistance bands 37, andankle weights 24 for strength training, the system can also include apull-up bar 38 illustrated in FIG. 6. The pull-up bar 38 is ofsufficient size and dimension to fit into the door frame 39 of aninterior door 40. Moreover, the pull-up bar 38 is preferably telescoping41 to adjust to the unique width of the interior door. As further shownin FIG. 6, the pull-up bar 38 has handles 42 sufficient to alternate theuser's hand grip on the pull-up bar 38 during an exercise routine.

In addition, the pull-up bar 38 should contain a sensor 43 capable ofpredicting the user's repetition of performing each pull-up, aself-contained rechargeable power source 44 (which again can be abattery) and an antenna 45 to relay data to the computer 8A (which canbe through radio, RF IR technology or other wireless transmissiontechnology known to one of ordinary skill in the art). Accordingly, thecomputer 8A can calculate the number of pull-ups the user has performedas part of the exercise routine and display this information on themonitor 300.

Returning to FIG. 1, the system also includes a foldable pad 200 capableof measuring weight through use of various interconnected pressuresensors 46 placed throughout its surface in communication with oneanother. Through communication of these equally spaced pressure sensors46, the foldable pad 200 is capable of tracking shifts in the user'sweight during exercise. Moreover, the foldable pad 200 connects with thehousing 100 to communicate wirelessly or through a wired connection 47to the computer 8A. The foldable pad 200 can be stored in the housing100 through a slit 48 located in the top panel 3. However, such foldablepad 200 can be stored separate from the housing 100, or in a slit 48located on any surface of the housing 100.

Apart from the racks (110, 120, 130 and 140) within the housing 100, thesystem also includes various monitors and sensors to measure exerciseperformance and physiology of the user before, during and after aworkout routine. The principal component is an adjustable band 49preferably worn on the arm, forearm, ankle or thigh. Illustrated in FIG.7, the adjustable band 49 has a left end 50 and a right end 51. The leftend 50 can attach to the right end 51 through a fastener 52 sufficientto secure the adjustable band 49 around the user. The fastener 52 can bea buckle, Velcro or any other connecting means known to one of ordinaryskill in the art.

As further shown in FIG. 7, the adjustable band 49 has a blood pressuresensor 53 capable of measuring the systolic and diastolic blood pressureof the user during exercise. In addition, the adjustable band 49 has apulse monitor 54 capable of assessing heartbeat. A thermo-sensor 55 isalso included in the adjustable band 49 to measure the user's bodytemperature. An antenna 56 is connected to the blood pressure sensor 53,the pulse monitor 54 and the thermo-sensor 55 to allow wirelesscommunication with the computer 8B. A self contained rechargeable powersource 57 provides electricity to these various monitors, sensors (53,54 and 55) and the antenna 56. Again, such power source 57 and berecharged through recharging stations located within one or more racksof the housing 100.

In addition to the aforementioned system, the invention also relates toa method of home exercise. The preferred method includes the step offirst removing a foldable pad 46 from a housing 100 having a left side 1and a right side 2, as well as a top panel 3 and a bottom panel 4connected to both side panels 1 and 2. Second, the user turns a computer8A on to process a program 8B stored in a memory device 9 accessible bythe computer 8A. The computer 8A and memory device 9 are preferablymaintained in the first rack 110 of the housing 100.

Next, the user affixes ankle weights 24 and/or wrist weights 25 to theuser's ankles and wrists. Each ankle weight 24 (as shown in FIG. 3) hasa motion sensor 26 a self-contained rechargeable power source 27, anantenna 28 capable of communicating with the computer 8A, and avibration device 29 capable of alerting the user of improper form ormovement during an exercise routine. Fourth, the user place's anadjustable band 49 (shown in FIG. 7) around their arm or leg. Theadjustable band measures the user's blood pressure 53, pulse 54 and bodytemperature 55 before, during and after the exercise routine.

The user then positions himself or herself onto the foldable pad 200which is connected to the computer 8A via a wired connection 47. Aplurality of interconnected pressure sensors 46 calculate the user'sweight and transmit this data to the computer 8A to determine the user'sbody fat index (through pre-programmed parameters like the user's age,height, sex and ethnicity). Now that the computer 8A is aware of theuser's weight, body fat index, body temperature, blood pressure andpulse, the computer 8A helps select an exercise routine (which is storedon the memory device 9), including difficulty level. This can includeparameters like the last time the user logged onto the computer 8A, andthe user's typical exertion level.

Throughout the exercise routine, the computer 8A communicates with themonitor 300 (and/or speaker) to display information to the user. Thisincludes (but is not limited to) the user's body temperature, pulse, andblood pressure. The monitor 300 (which can be a television) willinstruct the user to select various exercise equipment from the variousracks (120, 130 and/or 140) from the housing 100. Thus, the monitor 300also acts as a virtual personal trainer by instructing the user as tothe number of repetitions to be performed during the exercise routine.Exercise equipment in which this virtual personal trainer shall instructthe user to use includes adjustable dumbbells 12 (shown in FIG. 2),resistance bands 37 (shown in FIG. 5), and a pull-up bar 38 (shown inFIG. 6).

Should the monitor 300 instruct the user to select the adjustabledumbbells 12, for example, a motion sensor 17 alerts the computer 8Awhether the user is complying as to the number of repetitions called forby the exercise routine. It preferable that the recharging stationwithin the housing 100 alert the computer 8A that a specific piece ofequipment has been dislodged to notify compliance by the user of thevirtual personal trainer's commands.

If the monitor 300 instructs the user to install the pull-up bar 38 ontoan interior door frame 39, a weight sensor 43 will measure the number ofrepetitions performed and relay this information via antenna 45 back tothe computer 8A. Should the user fail to perform the necessaryrepetitions on the pull-up bar 38 or the adjustable dumbbell 12, themonitor 300 motivates the user through pre-programmed audiblestatements. In addition, the computer 8A and program 8B can decide toalter the exercise routine to perform a less intensive program.

Many modifications and other embodiments of the invention will come tothe mind of one skilled in the art having the benefit of the teachingspresented in the foregoing descriptions and the associated drawings.Therefore, it is understood that the invention is not to be limited tothe specific embodiments disclosed, and that modifications andembodiments are intended to be included within the illustratedembodiment.

1. An exercise system, comprising: a self-contained housing, saidhousing having left and right side panels and top and bottom panelsconnected to the left and right side panels, said housing alsocontaining an opening at the top panel for storing a foldable pad; afirst rack contained within the housing, said first rack having acomputer and a memory device connected to the computer capable ofstoring a program in the form of machine readable code; a second rackcontained within the housing, said second rack capable of storing one ormore adjustable dumbbells, said adjustable dumbbells capable ofattaching weight plates as well as communicating with the computer viaan antenna; an adjustable band operable with the computer forcommunicating therewith, said adjustable band containing a bloodpressure monitor and a pulse monitor; a thermo-sensor attached to theadjustable band capable of measuring body temperature; and an interfacecapable of connecting said computer with a monitor to display anexercise routine, as well as alert the user as to their blood pressure,pulse and body temperature.
 2. The system of claim 1, furthercomprising: a player capable of accepting and reading a DVD, Blu-Ray orcompact disk to load a program to be read by the computer.
 3. The systemof claim 1, wherein the adjustable dumbbells also contain motion sensorsto alert the computer of the user's movement of the dumbbells during anexercise routine.
 4. The system of claim 1, further comprising: a thirdrack contained within the housing, said third rack capable of storingankle weights, said ankle weights are capable of communicating viaantenna with the computer and contain motion sensors to alert thecomputer of the user's leg movements.
 5. The system of claim 4, whereinthe third rack also contains wrist weights, said wrist weights arecapable of communicating with the computer and contain motion sensors toalert the computer of the user's arm movements.
 6. The system of claim1, wherein the foldable pad capable of communicating with the computerand having pressure sensors capable of tracking movement, measuring bodyweight, and determining a shift in body weight.
 7. The system of claim1, wherein the computer is capable of interfacing with a gaming system.8. The system of claim 1, wherein the adjustable dumbbell includes ameans for adding and removing weight plates.
 9. The system of claim 1,wherein the adjustable dumbbell includes a vibration sensor whichprovides vibrational response if the user does not comply withinstructions provided in the exercise routine or uses bad form.
 10. Amethod for providing exercise for a user, the method comprising thesteps of: removing a foldable pad from a housing; said housing havingone or more doors, left and right side panels, and top and bottom panelsconnected to the left and right side panels; removing ankle weightsstored within the housing; affixing the ankle weights to the user;turning a computer on, said computer stored in the housing and connectedto a memory device capable of storing programs in the form of machinereadable code; placing an adjustable band on the user; said adjustableband capable of measuring blood pressure and heartbeat, said adjustableband communicating with the computer; contacting a thermo-sensorconnected to the adjustable band onto the body of the user; positioningthe user on the foldable pad; calculating the user's weight and body fatindex through the foldable pad communicating with the computer;selecting an exercise routine through the computer accessing a programstored on the memory device; the user engaging in the exercise routine;and providing physiological response to the user through the computercommunicating with the foldable pad and ankle weights.
 11. The methodaccording to claim 10, further comprising the steps of: removing one ormore adjustable dumbbells from the housing; changing the actual weightof each adjustable dumbbell by adding or removing individual plates;moving the adjustable dumbbell in accordance with an exercise routine;and communicating with movement of the adjustable dumbbell to thecomputer.
 12. The method according to claim 10, further comprising thestep of: affixing wrist weights to the user; and communicating eachwrist weight with the computer.
 13. The method according to claim 10,further comprising the steps of: loading a DVD, Blue-Ray or Compact Diskwithin a player; and accessing an exercise routine from the DVD,Blue-Ray or Compact Disk.
 14. The method according to claim 10, furthercomprising the step of: determining the user's heartbeat, bodytemperature and total calories burned during an exercise routine. 15.The method according to claim 10, further comprising the steps of:displaying the exercise routine on a monitor; and reporting the user'sheartbeat, body temperature and total calories burned on the monitorduring an exercise routine.